NEWARK, N.J. — Jack Hughes is back! The New Jersey Devils’ star center, who missed 18 games due to a finger injury, will play against the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday. It’s exciting for fans to see him return to the Prudential Center after his last game on November 12.
Before his injury, Hughes was on fire, with 20 points from 17 games. His injury was unexpected and required surgery. Initially, he was expected to be sidelined for two months, making this comeback rather surprising.
“It felt great to practice again. I’m glad it wasn’t season-ending,” Hughes shared. He mentioned that it was just a freak accident, and he feels good now.
Coach Sheldon Keefe is optimistic, stating that Hughes shouldn’t face any limitations. “He’s ready to go. I was surprised he returned so quickly,” Keefe remarked. The day before the game, he even skated with Hughes to check on his progress.
The Devils are also welcoming back forwards Timo Meier and Arseny Gritsyuk. Meier has 23 points this season and missed five games for personal reasons. Gritsyuk returns after dealing with an upper-body injury. Coach Keefe and captain Nico Hischier expressed excitement about their return, highlighting how important it is for the team.
New Jersey is currently in a tight spot in the Metropolitan Division, sitting fifth with a record of 20-14-1. They struggled while Hughes was out, going 8-10-0. Hughes pointed out, “Every team deals with injuries. It’s part of the game.”
Interestingly, injuries are a common theme this season across the NHL. A recent survey indicated that over 70% of teams report significant injuries among key players, affecting performance and standings. Hughes’ return could be a much-needed boost for the Devils as they navigate a competitive league.
As Hughes steps back onto the ice, fans are hopeful that he, along with Meier and Gritsyuk, can lead the team on a winning streak. The players know the importance of teamwork, especially after overcoming some tough times without their top guys. It’s a new chapter for the Devils, and everyone is eager to see how the team performs with their stars back in action.
